Distribution Blitz for Actor-Backed Spirits Brand Palm Republic Rum, the premium spirit co-founded by actor Eric Winter and spirits entrepreneur Brad Parkes, is expanding into eight new U.S. markets this summer through a partnership with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, marking a significant scaling move for the two-expression brand. The expansion will bring Palm Republic into California, Florida, Texas, New York, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Colorado through Southern Glazer's, while Georgia will be serviced by Empire Distributors, Inc. and Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board with Southern Glazer's as broker. The brand is currently available only in Florida, Texas, and California.
Portfolio and Positioning Palm Republic offers two expressions: a Silver Rum blending rums from Jamaica and the U.S.
Virgin Islands with noted aromas of banana, vanilla, and fresh sugar cane layered with nutmeg and clove; and an Aged Rum combining rums from Panama, Jamaica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aged up to eight years in sherry casks, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and molasses leading into muscovado sugar, gingerbread, and baking spice. "Palm Republic was created to celebrate premium rum and the moments that bring people together," Winter said. "My connection to rum goes back nearly two decades to Puerto Rico with my wife, an experience that sparked a real appreciation for the spirit. Bringing that passion into the brand has been incredibly meaningful. As demand continues to grow, partnering with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits marks a major milestone. Their scale, expertise, and relationships make them an ideal partner as we introduce Palm Republic to new markets nationwide."
Leadership and Industry Credentials The expansion coincides with the appointment of CEO Jeff Popkin, who joined Palm Republic in early 2026 from Compass Box Whiskey, where he served as President. Popkin previously held VP of Sales roles at Stoli Group USA and spent years in senior commercial leadership at Red Bull North America. "Palm Republic has already built an incredible foundation through exceptional liquid, authentic storytelling, and an experienced, passionate team of industry vets," Popkin said. "The opportunity now is to thoughtfully scale that success. With our new brand identity and reimagined bottle design, Palm Republic really stands out on the shelf. I'm thrilled to help lead the brand as we continue building long-term momentum." The brand has accumulated competition credentials including a Wine Enthusiast rating of 96 for its Aged Rum and 94 for its Silver Rum. At the 2025 SIP Awards, it earned Platinum for Aged Rum and Double Gold for Silver Rum, with matching Platinum and Gold honors at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Why It Matters
Celebrity-backed spirits continue to command shelf space and retailer interest, particularly in the premium rum category where craft blending stories resonate with on-premise and off-premise buyers. Southern Glazer's scale across 47 U.S. markets positions Palm Republic to gain meaningful distribution velocity; the CEO hire signals intent to build operational infrastructure beyond founder appeal alone.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
